The Order of Physicians denounces an “alarming” increase in violence against doctors in 2023. According to a report published this Tuesday, it increased by 27% in one year. In total, nearly 1,600 incidents and verbal violence were recorded in France last year, the highest figure recorded since 2003.
The most affected are general practitioners who “represent 64% of declarations”. “The incidents range from verbal attacks and threats to physical attacks, including theft and vandalism,” specifies the Order, which adds that only “a low rate of official reporting is noted.” In fact, barely more than a third of doctors have filed a complaint or filed a complaint (38%).
Mostly verbal attacks and threats
The incidents most often concern a reproach linked to treatment (38% of reported incidents), a refusal of a prescription (19%) or even a waiting time considered excessive (10%). Most of these incidents are verbal attacks and threats (73%). This is followed by theft or attempted theft (8%), physical assault (8%) and vandalism (7%).
Of all reported cases, 6% resulted in work interruption. Faced with this situation, the Order of Physicians “calls on the public authorities to strengthen the protection of caregivers and strongly encourages doctors to report any incident to their departmental council of the Order”.